Learning through work experience
Work experience is a great opportunity to do new things and learn new skills, to improve and develop your Key skills and other life skills that will help you achieve your educational, personal and career goals.
Here is a list of some of the things you might do when on your work placement.
Things to do on my placement |
Key skill |
Attend everyday and always be on time |
PQ |
Always be pleasant and polite, even when faced with difficulty |
PQ |
Make a telephone call to a customer |
C |
Take a telephone order from a customer |
C |
Keep areas tidy and safe |
PP |
Keep a record of and evaluating what I have done |
IP |
Send a fax message |
IT |
Open and distribute incoming post |
PP |
Stuff envelopes and frank ready for posting |
PP |
Use a word processor to write a letter |
IT |
Make tea/coffee for colleagues |
WO |
File documents |
PP |
Take money and give change |
N |
Carry out instructions to the full and not giving up |
PQ |
Use a specialist computer programme (like CAD or drawing software) |
IT |
Assist my work colleague with a task |
WO |
Use a photocopier |
IT |
Ask for advice when you need it |
IP |
Lifting and moving things |
PP |
Carry out an internet search for information your employer needs |
IT |
Weigh and measure items for customers |
N |
Make a poster or display to help increase sales |
PS |
Listening and following instructions |
C |
Work with invoices, receipts and financial information |
N |
Use tools and equipment |
PP |
Clearly, what you will do depends on where you are working. For example, if you are working in a garage you might use tools to change an oil filter on a car, or if you are working in an architect’s office you might use a computer based CAD program to carry out a simple design project.
When you record things in your data book, write down very specific things that you think you will do, or have done, and think about the Key skill it involves. For example, keep the salon tidy by sweeping up regularly – Key skill PP, or hold the ladder for my work mate – Key skill WO.
